Tsunami Pod

ABSTRACT

An improved tsunami pod is described herein. In one embodiment, the tsunami pod can comprise a body and a skirt. The body can comprise a top portion, a middle portion, and a base. The base can be wider than the middle portion, and the middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The skirt can extend out around the base. In another embodiment, the tsunami pod can comprise a body. The body can comprise the base that can be wider than the top portion. The body can further comprise an inner shell, a middle layer and an outer shell. The middle layer can surround the inner shell. The outer shell can surround the middle layer.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for a tsunami pod.

Historically, tsunamis have caused many casualties spanning many countries. Since 2000, there have been two very deadly tsunamis recorded: the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami estimated to claims 230,000 and 310,000 of lives and the recent 2011 Pacific Ocean tsunami that caused around 20,000 deaths in Japan. A tsunami is a series of massive waves resulting from a large displacement of overlying water, often caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides.

Over the years experts have tried to determine when and where a tsunami will occur. There are some early warning systems being used to detect tsunamis in advance. One system uses seismic data to determine a possible threat, and sends a warning to the general public. However, within minutes of detection, a tsunami waves can reach a coastline, giving little time for a local community to prepare and to flee to a higher ground or find suitable shelter. Moreover, running to a higher ground or higher structures can be impossible as not every coastline would have sturdy buildings or mountains nearby. Additionally, the danger of tsunami can last for more than an hour and can even occur a few days following its first hit. Therefore, it is imperative that the locals have enough supply of food, water, and emergency kit (such as flashlights, battery, radio, etc.) that can sustain them for days. However, since tsunami can occur rapidly the affected locals may have no time to prepare essential supplies that can help them conveniently survive during and after a tsunami.

Tsunami deaths are mainly caused by direct impact of tsunami flow, drowning at the site of the tsunami, being washed away into the ocean, slamming of bodies onto objects, and collisions with floating debris. To help prevent such occurrences a tsunami pod has been developed. Presently an existing tsunami pod exists on the market. A tsunami pod is a pod that one or more person can enter during a tsunami. The tsunami pod prevents water from entering, thereby preserving life inside.

The spherical shape of existing pods allows for significant movement in all directions. As a consequence the person inside may be jostled significantly, causing sickness and injury. Additionally, existing pods do not provide proper mooring that could prevent a user from being swept out to sea. Further, present systems do not adequately absorb shock and minimize forces exerted on the user or users inside.

As such, it would be useful to have an improved tsunami pod.

SUMMARY

An improved tsunami pod is described herein. In one embodiment, the tsunami pod can comprise a body and a skirt. The body can comprise a top portion, a middle portion, and a base. The base can be wider than the middle portion, and the middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The skirt can extend out around the base.

In another embodiment, the tsunami pod can comprise a body with a base, middle portion and top portion. The base can be wider than the middle portion. The middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The body can comprise an inner shell, a middle layer and an outer shell. The middle layer can surround the inner shell. The outer shell can surround the middle layer.

In addition, the disclosure discusses a method for offering protection from a tsunami. Specifically, the method can comprise placing a tsunami pod on a coast. The tsunami pod can comprise a body and a skirt. The body can comprise a top portion, a middle portion, and a base. The base can be wider than the middle portion, and the middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The skirt can extend out around the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an external view of a tsunami pod comprising a body, one or more hatches, and a plurality of railings.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a body comprising an outer shell, a middle layer, and an inner shell.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross sectional view of compartments within a middle layer.

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of a tsunami pod with a connector attached at the bottom center of a base.

FIG. 3B illustrates a mooring system further comprising a mooring line, and a foundation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an internal view of a tsunami pod comprising a pillar, and a plurality of seats.

FIG. 5 illustrates a seat comprising a five-point harness, a tail bone protector, a seat bottom, a pair of hand grips, and a seat base.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mid-section view of a tsunami pod showing a set of air intake vent, a set of air outlet vent, a pillar, and a seat base.

FIG. 7 illustrates a tsunami pod resting on a ground before a tsunami hits.

FIG. 8 illustrates a tsunami pod floating on water during a tsunami.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for a tsunami pod. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an external view of a tsunami pod 100 comprising a body 101, one or more hatches 102, and/or a plurality of railings 103. Tsunami pod 100 can be a mobile structure that can be used as a safe shelter by one or more passenger during a tsunami. Body 101 can have a round or polygon shape which can form the main housing of tsunami pod 100. Moreover, body 101 can serve as a protective shell from the outside environment during a tsunami. Body 101 can comprise three portions; a top portion 101 a, a middle portion 101 b, and a base 101 c. Top portion 101 a can have a narrow circumference that gradually gets wider as it goes to base 101 c, thus forming an inverted conical-like shape. The conical-like form can ensure that tsunami pod 100 can be self-up righting at any given water condition. Additionally, top portion 101 a can have more buoyancy while base 101 c can have more mass to ensure that tsunami pod 100 can maintain a low center of gravity, preventing tsunami pod 100 from being heaved or turned over by the waves. Furthermore, base 101 c can be wider to ensure inherent hydrodynamic stability, therefore reducing the constant motion and impact that can be experienced by users of tsunami pod 100. Additionally, conical-like form of body 101 can ensure that tsunami pod 100 does not get stuck and/or trapped between any large floating objects or structures. Additionally, the shape reduces wind loads and water loads during a tsunami. Body 101 can have no protrusions on its exterior layer therefore preventing tsunami pod 100 from being entangled on any floating or fixed structures and/or debris.

Hatches 102, which can include a side hatch 102 a and/or a top hatch 102 b, can be an opening that serves as an entrance and/or an exit from tsunami pod 100. Hatches 102 can have a watertight design to ensure that tsunami pod 100 is completely sealed so that no water can pass through hatches 102. In one embodiment, side hatch 102 a can be installed at middle portion 101 b and can be used as an entry point for tsunami pod 100. Side hatch 102 a can comprise a recessed handle 105 that can allow a person to easily open and access tsunami pod 100. Top hatch 102 b can be accessible from the inside and from the outside, and serves as an extra opening in case side hatch 102 a is obstructed or in case tsunami pod 100 drifts of to the sea. Furthermore, top hatch 102 b can be a safe opening for survivors when sending distress signals and/or flares. Additionally, aircraft rescuers can have an easier access through top hatch 102 b as it provides a fast and safe exit point from above. In one embodiment, the middle portion 101 b can also have a plurality of steps 106. Steps 106 can be placed below side hatch 102 a. In one embodiment, steps 106 can be a series of recessed stairs leading to the side hatch 102 a. In another embodiment, steps 106 can slightly protrude from middle portion 101 b. Further in another embodiment, a window 107 can also be placed in middle portion 101 b. Window 107 can be a small sealed orifice made of a transparent or semi-transparent material such as glass, fiber glass, and/or hard plastics. Window 107 can be impact resistant and can be fully recessed into the walls of body 101. Furthermore, window 107 can allow passage of light and gives the user an option to view conditions outside of the tsunami pod 100.

Railings 103 can be a safety structure extended from the top edge surface of top portion 101 a. Railings 103 can comprise a plurality of pad-eyes 108 that can also serve as hand support as a person tries to access and/or escape through top hatch 102 b. Pad-eyes 108 can be a device that comprises a hole, which can be used as an attachment point. As such, pad-eyes 108 can be used by rescuers for temporarily attaching tsunami pod 100 with rescue transport such as helicopters and ships.

Base 101 c can provide support and balance to tsunami pod 100. In one embodiment base 101 c can be made up of materials that can stabilize and ensure that tsunami pod 100 is kept afloat. In another embodiment, base 101 c can be filled or ballasted to help tsunamis pod 100 float and to enhance its stability. A skirt 109, and a mooring system 110 can both attach to base 101 c. Skirt 109 can extend around all or a portion of base 101 c. Skirt 109 can guard against body 101 from directly colliding with any obstructions or other structures. As such, skirt 109 can deflect any debris or blockage before bumping into body 101. Skirt 109 can comprise a plurality of crumble zones 111 that can absorb force from a collision thus, reducing direct impact and preventing damage to body 101. Moreover, skirt 109 can comprise perforations 112. Perforations 112 can improve damping. Skirt 109 can make tsunami pod 100 stable due to increased drag and cross-flow characteristics. Mooring system 110 can comprise several devices that can be used for keeping tsunami pod 100 floating within the mooring area.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of body 101 comprising an outer shell 201, a middle layer 202, and an inner shell 203. Outer shell 201 can be the exterior layer that covers body 101 of tsunami pod 100. Outer shell 201 can be made of light, durable, waterproof, and/or thermoplastic materials such as corrugated polypropylene, corrugated high density polyethylene, or polyurethane sheet. In such embodiment, the hydro elastic response from outer shell 201 can reduce the load that gets transmitted to inner wall 203 during impact with objects and waves.

Outer shell 201 can be abrasion and tear resistant, therefore reducing possible wearing and damage that can help in prolonging service life of tsunami pod 100. Moreover, outer shell 201 can be weather resistant that can withstand general weather conditions. Additionally, outer shell 201 can have high dielectric properties, which ensures that an electric charge does not flow through, thus protecting people inside tsunami pod 100 from electrical accidents. Furthermore, outer shell 201 can be hydro elastic that can minimize the load that gets transmitted to middle layer 202 and inner shell 203. In one embodiment, exterior surface of outer shell 201 can be painted in bright colors such as yellow or orange to make easily visible. As such, rescue vehicles such as aircrafts, helicopters, and ships, can easily see tsunami pod 100.

Middle layer 202 can be made up of resilient materials, which can include but are not limited to foam, compartmentalized fiber pouches, or simply air. Middle layer 202 can also be the section that provides the desired buoyancy to tsunami pod 100. Furthermore, middle layer 202 can be used for sound and/or vibration dampening. These properties can aid in calming and lessening ear strain, headaches, and/or stress experienced by people inside tsunami pod 100. Middle layer 202 can also dampen shock impulses, which helps in dissipating kinetic energy from wave motions. Moreover, middle layer 202 separates outer shell 201 and inner shell 203, which can prevent and/or reduce malfunctions and damage from corrupting inner shell 203.

Inner shell 203 can be the interior layer of body 101. Inner shell 203 can be made of light materials that have high resistance to deformation such as steel, aluminum, or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). In such instances, inner shell 203 can last longer and requires less maintenance. Top portion of inner shell 203 can also be installed with LED light fixtures to ensure that enough lighting is provided within tsunami pod 100.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of middle layer 202 that can comprise a plurality of compartments 204. The outer shell 201 and inner shell 203 are connected that can create watertight compartments 204. Compartments 204 within middle layer 202, can allow tsunami pod 100 to stay buoyant in the event outer shell is punctured. Compartments 204 can very size from small, as shown in FIG. 2B, to larger compartments, such as entire sides of body 101.

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of tsunami pod 100 with a connector 301 attached at the bottom of base 101 c. Connector 301 can be a device that securely fastens tsunami pod 100 with a support structure. To ensure that tsunami pod 100 can move and rotate freely, connector 301 can be a swivel connector such as a bow eye swivel. As such, connector 301 allows tsunami pod to rotate horizontally and within a support structure. In one embodiment, connector 301 can be a break-off connector. Break-off connector can serve as a weak link that can break when enough stress is applied. This feature allows tsunami pod 100 to be released freely from foundation 303. Furthermore, break-off connector can vary and be site specific.

FIG. 3B illustrates mooring system 110 further comprising a mooring line 302, and a foundation 303. Mooring line 302 can be a cable device such as steel wire rope that can be used to connect tsunami pod 100 with foundation 303. As such, one end of mooring line 302 can be fastened to connector 301 providing tension at base 101 c, while the other end can be attached permanently to the ground through foundation 303. Moreover, length of mooring line 302 can be long enough to provide safety margins and flexible to move above water. Based on historical measurements the tsunami wave heights, measured by wave depths on the shore, do the not exceed thirty meters. In one embodiment, mooring line 302 can be 30 meters or greater. In another embodiment, mooring line 302 can be 40 meters or greater. Mooring line 302 can also allow tsunami pod 100 to move freely thus loads from impacts can be minimized. Such rotation also allows tsunami pod 100 to not get obstructed or stuck in debris. In one embodiment, mooring line 302 can be sized in a manner so as to break off at a particular tension, to function in a similar manner as break-off connector.

Foundation 303 can be a type of support structure designed to have an adequate load capacity. Foundation 303 can aid in transferring the weight of a structure to hold and maintain a strong, fixed, and stable base support. Foundation 303 can be made of concrete and/or heavy material which can include but are not limited to driven pile, drilled and grouted pile, or concrete block. Moreover, the depth, weight, and/or dimensions of foundation 303 can vary depending on the ground or soil condition. As such, foundation 303 can be designed to withstand earthquake loads, and can take mooring line tension during a tsunami. Furthermore, foundation 303 can be designed to be scour proof to prevent weakening at the base support when water washes out the soil as water flows around the base.

FIG. 4 illustrates an internal view of tsunami pod 100 comprising a pillar 401, and a plurality of seats 402. Pillar 401 can be an upright column placed at the center of tsunami pod 100, which serves as support and provides balance to tsunami pod 100. The back of seats 402 can rest around pillar 401, thus personnel in tsunami pod 100 can sit facing the wall. Such design is implemented to ensure the safety of people inside tsunami pod 100 and prevent them from bumping into each other. Further, led light lanterns can be placed around pillar 401 to provide enough light within tsunami pod 100. Seat 402 can be cushioned and installed with safety equipment that is further discussed below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of seat 402 comprising a harness 501, a tail bone protector 502, a seat bottom 503, a pair of hand grips 504, and a seat base 505. In one embodiment, harness 501 can be a seatbelt comprising of five straps, called a five-point harness, which is installed on seat 402. Five-point harness 501 can be designed to safely hold a passenger using five point harness that are strapped over the shoulders, hips, and between the legs. This system ensures that during a collision passengers won't be thrown out from seat 402 preventing the passenger from crashing himself into inner shell 203. Tail bone protector 502 can be used to protect a passenger's hip bone and tail bone area. Moreover, tail bone protector 502 can be mounted onto seat 402 to provide comfortable seating to passengers. Seat bottom 503 can be the part of seat 402 wherein passenger sits. In one embodiment, seat bottom 503 can be cushioned and be used as a floatation device when detached. In another embodiment seat bottom 503 can be lifted that opens up to seat base 505.

Hand grips 504 can attach above the opposite sides of seat bottom 504. As such, passenger can hold unto hand grips 504 for support as tsunami pod 100 gets pushed by the waves. In another embodiment, hand grips 504 can be mounted into the opposite sides of seat bottom 503. In such structure, passenger can hold unto the sides of seat bottom 503 for grip and support. Seat base 505 can be the bottom support of seat 402, and wherein seat bottom 503 rests.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mid-section view of tsunami pod 100 showing a set of air intake vent 601, a set of air outlet vent 602, pillar 401, and seat base 505. Air intake vent 601 can allow fresh air to flow inside tsunami pod 100. As such, air intake vent 601 can ensure that enough oxygen or airflow is supplied within tsunami pod 100. Moreover, air intake vent 601 can help regulate the temperature in tsunami pod 100. Air outlet vent 602 can prevent air pressure build up in tsunami pod 100. Air outlet vent 601 and air outlet vent 602 can be installed at top portion 101 a, in diametrically opposite ends with some small height difference to ensure natural circulation of air. Moreover, air outlet vent 601 and air outlet vent 602 does not permit water to flow inside the vent.

Pillar 401 can house a radio beacon such as Emergency Position-Indication Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). A radio beacon can be a transmitter capable of broadcasting signals that can be picked up by radio direction finding systems. A radio beacon can be manually or automatically activated upon immersion and can send out radio signals that can allow search and rescue to easily locate the position of tsunami pod 100. The signals can be monitored worldwide and the location of the distress is detected by non-geostationary satellites, and can be located by some combination of GPS trilateration and Doppler triangulation. Further, pillar 401 can also be used for storage of other standard supplies such as cellphones, binoculars, life jackets, LED light lanterns, and/or blankets.

In one embodiment, seat base 505 can be a rectangular commode whose space can be used for storage of food, water, batteries, medical and emergency supplies. In another embodiment, the space on seat base 505 can be used for waste collection. Storage in seat base 505 can be large enough to stock survival supplies, which can be good for one or more passenger and can last for at least three days.

FIG. 7 illustrates a tsunami pod 100 resting on a ground 701 before a tsunami hits. Warning signs and signals such as the water 702 pulling away from the shore leaving a wide expanse of seabed can be a way to detect tsunami minutes before a tsunami hits. This gives enough time for people to get away and run into tsunami pod 100. As such, tsunami pod 100 can be moored to ground 701 near the owner's vicinity. Thus, when tsunami hits, the passengers can easily access tsunami pod 100. Tsunami pod 100 can be large and comfortable enough to carry one passenger for each seat within the device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a tsunami pod 100 floating on water 702 during a tsunami. Tsunami pod 100 can stay afloat on water 702 and stay safely moored to the ground 701 through mooring line 302. Moreover, tsunami pod 100 can be capable of minimizing loads during an earthquake due to tsunami pod 100 light weight structure. Since, tsunami pod 100 floats freely above water 802 impacts on floating debris are minimized. Once the tsunami retreats and the water recedes, tsunami pod 100 can be capable of staying in an upright position and rest on ground 701.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 

1. A tsunami pod comprising a body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a base, said base wider than said middle portion, said middle portion wider than said top portion; and a skirt extending out around said base.
 2. The tsunami pod of claim 1 comprising a top hatch within said top portion of said body.
 3. The tsunami pod of claim 1 comprising a side hatch within said middle portion of said body.
 4. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said skirt comprises perforations.
 5. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said skirt comprises crumble zones.
 6. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said body further comprising an inner shell; a middle layer that surrounds said inner shell; and an outer shell that surrounds said middle layer.
 7. The tsunami pod of claim 6 further comprising LED fixtures mounted within said inner layer.
 8. The tsunami pod of claim 6 wherein said middle layer comprises a noise-dampening material.
 9. The tsunami pod of claim 6 wherein said outer shell comprises a waterproof material.
 10. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said body is substantially octagonal.
 11. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said base is ballasted.
 12. The tsunami pod of claim 1 comprising a connector attached to the bottom of said base.
 13. The tsunami pod of claim 12 wherein said connector is a swivel connector.
 14. The tsunami pod of claim 12 wherein said connector is a break-off connector.
 15. The tsunami pod of claim 1 comprising a mooring system, said mooring system comprising a connector connected to the base of said; a foundation; and a mooring line that connects said connector to said foundation.
 16. A method of offering protection from a tsunami, comprising the step of placing a tsunami pod on a coast, said tsunami pod comprising a body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a base, said base wider than said middle portion, said middle portion wider than said top portion; and a skirt extending out around said base.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step mooring said tsunami pod to a surface with a mooring system, said mooring system comprising a connector that connect to the bottom of said base of said tsunami pod; a foundation that can be driven into said surface; and a mooring line that connects said foundation to said connector.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein said skirt comprises perforations.
 19. A tsunami pod comprising a body comprising a base more narrow than a top portion, said base further comprising an inner shell; a middle layer that surrounds said inner shell; and an outer shell that surrounds said middle layer.
 20. The tsunami pod of claim 19, wherein said middle layer comprises compartments. 